Mines opens first new residence hall since 1978

GOLDEN, Colo., August 16, 2011 – Maple Hall, the first residence hall built on the Colorado School of Mines campus since 1978 opens its doors this week. The $27 million facility is 97,665 square feet and has 291 beds. Students move in August 19.

The new hall is just one piece of a larger change underway at Mines — a movement toward a richer campus experience. Starting this fall, all freshmen will be required to live on campus, bringing the total number of students residing in dorm housing to roughly 1,000.

“We’re really trying to integrate the academic and student life experiences as one. Education involves all things, from the formal classroom setting to the experiences gathered with peers, professionals or professors,” said Vice President for Student Life Dan Fox.

The design of Maple Hall aims to create a comfortable and fun place to live, improving students’ overall experience living on campus. The building features five social lounges, a stone fireplace, grand piano, a community kitchen, a music practice room, and nine study and activity rooms. There are also two courtyards and a BBQ area outside the building.

The indoor environment of Maple Hall emphasizes the health of its occupants. One hundred percent outside air flushes through the building at all times improving the indoor air quality. Additionally, many of the interior materials are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).